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Rampokan #1
Rampokan Java
1946: The Dutch have been driven out of Indonesia by the Japanese invasion, but they refuse to recognize the country's declaration of independence. In an attempt to regain their former colony, the government mobilizes the Royal Dutch Indian Army. When they fail to take control, an unofficial force is sent to subdue the "terrorists." Among the volunteers is Johan Knevel, who has personal reasons for he wants to find out what happened to his Indonesian nurse. But far from rediscovering the lost idyll of his youth, he is confronted by the complex realities of a country in turmoil.
74 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
8 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Peter van Dongen
25 books12 followersPeter van Dongen kon op de kleuterschool al beter tekenen dan andere kinderen. Hij studeerde na de middelbare school aan het Grafisch Lyceum in Amsterdam en is na zijn opleiding als illustrator gaan werken.
Zijn eerste boek Muizentheater, een verhalenbundel rond de lotgevallen én de ondergang van twee broers in crisistijd en oorlog, voltooide hij in 1990. Hiervoor ontving hij de Stripschappenning voor het beste album van dat jaar.
Naast zijn werk als commercieel illustrator begon hij in 1991, direct na de bekroning van Muizentheater, aan zijn tweede boek, Rampokan-Java. Uiteindelijk zou hij nog vier jaar aan Rampokan-Java werken.
Van Dongen leerde Indië kennen uit de verhalen van zijn Chinees-Indische moeder. Het tweede deel, Rampokan-Celebes, opent met het beruchte bombardement van de havenstad Makassar, dat zijn moeder als klein meisje meemaakte. Het bombardement werd uitgevoerd door de marine van het jonge Indonesië dat nog een appeltje te schillen had met de restanten van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger.
Peter van Dongens tekenstijl is erg beïnvloed door bijvoorbeeld Kuifje. Hij gebruikt de Klare Lijn-stijl in zijn werk. Er zijn veel stilistische overeenkomsten tussen Hergé en Van Dongen. Maar daarnaast zijn er ook veel verschillen. Van Dongen tekent meer cinematografisch, wat volgens hem ook logisch is met de invloed van televisie vandaag de dag. Van Dongen snijdt als televisie scènes door elkaar heen, iets wat weinig in strips wordt toegepast.
Rampokan is in samenwerking met Joost Swarte vormgegeven. In de zomer van 1998 heeft Het Parool dagelijks een pagina uit Rampokan-Java voorgepubliceerd.
Met Rampokan-Java won Van Dongen de Stripschappenning voor 'Beste Album' in de categorie 'Oorspronkelijk Nederlands'. Het werd bekroond als een van de Best Verzorgde Boeken van 1998. Daarnaast ontving Van Dongen voor Rampokan-Java in 1999 in Brussel de Prijs de Leeuw.
Voor Rampokan-Celebes mocht van Dongen in 2005 de Stripschappenning in ontvangst nemen, ditmaal in de categorie 'Oorspronkelijk Nederlands Literair'.
Zijn eerste boek Muizentheater, een verhalenbundel rond de lotgevallen én de ondergang van twee broers in crisistijd en oorlog, voltooide hij in 1990. Hiervoor ontving hij de Stripschappenning voor het beste album van dat jaar.
Naast zijn werk als commercieel illustrator begon hij in 1991, direct na de bekroning van Muizentheater, aan zijn tweede boek, Rampokan-Java. Uiteindelijk zou hij nog vier jaar aan Rampokan-Java werken.
Van Dongen leerde Indië kennen uit de verhalen van zijn Chinees-Indische moeder. Het tweede deel, Rampokan-Celebes, opent met het beruchte bombardement van de havenstad Makassar, dat zijn moeder als klein meisje meemaakte. Het bombardement werd uitgevoerd door de marine van het jonge Indonesië dat nog een appeltje te schillen had met de restanten van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger.
Peter van Dongens tekenstijl is erg beïnvloed door bijvoorbeeld Kuifje. Hij gebruikt de Klare Lijn-stijl in zijn werk. Er zijn veel stilistische overeenkomsten tussen Hergé en Van Dongen. Maar daarnaast zijn er ook veel verschillen. Van Dongen tekent meer cinematografisch, wat volgens hem ook logisch is met de invloed van televisie vandaag de dag. Van Dongen snijdt als televisie scènes door elkaar heen, iets wat weinig in strips wordt toegepast.
Rampokan is in samenwerking met Joost Swarte vormgegeven. In de zomer van 1998 heeft Het Parool dagelijks een pagina uit Rampokan-Java voorgepubliceerd.
Met Rampokan-Java won Van Dongen de Stripschappenning voor 'Beste Album' in de categorie 'Oorspronkelijk Nederlands'. Het werd bekroond als een van de Best Verzorgde Boeken van 1998. Daarnaast ontving Van Dongen voor Rampokan-Java in 1999 in Brussel de Prijs de Leeuw.
Voor Rampokan-Celebes mocht van Dongen in 2005 de Stripschappenning in ontvangst nemen, ditmaal in de categorie 'Oorspronkelijk Nederlands Literair'.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 28, 2020
Short and still ends of a huge cliffhanger which is frustrating. This is not a fun read, but it's an educational one, especially given it takes a very pessimistic view of human nature; no one in this story (Indonesian freedom fighters, Dutch military, those trying to stay out of the fray, and opportunists of all stripes) comes off as pure or even good. No one is safe, no one is in control, and colonization and revolution create the opportunity for lots of exploitation and misery.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2007
ini komik digambar dengan gaya lukisan 'tintin'nya herge.
kisahnya sekitar peristiwa akhir masa penjajahan belanda di jawa.
ceritanya tidak terlalu mudah diikuti secara visual, berhubung -menurut pandangan saya- visualisasi karakternya kurang terbedakan jelas. kirain ini si X, ternyata si Y.
yang menarik adalah komikusnya melakukan riset historis mengenai keadaan kota-kota di jawa pada masa itu, beserta kebiasaan pribumi dalam menggunakan ruang kota.
jadi, saya menghargainya di segi itunya.
mungkin,
kalau ada jenis bacaan 'novel bergambar' begitu, maka buku ini akan saya masukkan ke sana... he..he..
kisahnya sekitar peristiwa akhir masa penjajahan belanda di jawa.
ceritanya tidak terlalu mudah diikuti secara visual, berhubung -menurut pandangan saya- visualisasi karakternya kurang terbedakan jelas. kirain ini si X, ternyata si Y.
yang menarik adalah komikusnya melakukan riset historis mengenai keadaan kota-kota di jawa pada masa itu, beserta kebiasaan pribumi dalam menggunakan ruang kota.
jadi, saya menghargainya di segi itunya.
mungkin,
kalau ada jenis bacaan 'novel bergambar' begitu, maka buku ini akan saya masukkan ke sana... he..he..
March 23, 2023
Ada sesuatu yang berbeda kala membaca cerita tentang Indonesia di era 1940-an dari sudut pandang seorang asing. Apalagi gaya gambar Peter van Dongen mengingatkan kita pada Hergé, sang maestro Tintin. Gaya gambar ini buat saya menjadikan sebuah kontradiksi yang menarik. Gambar yang sederhana, cenderung kekanakan malah dipakai untuk menceritakan sesuatu yang sesungguhnya gelap. Sayangnya, pada beberapa sisi, van Dongen lebih asyik menggambarkan dengan detail Jakarta dan Bandung di era itu ketimbang bercerita dengan runut.
July 15, 2020
Rampokan, or 1. Java by Peter Van Dongen, is an adult graphic novel detailing the colonial, political, and military conflicts in Indonesia between Indonesia, Japan, and the Dutch in 1946. The Dutch had established colonies in Indonesia, but Japanese occupation in World War II complicated the political field. The Japanese encouraged Indonesian nationalism, encouraging self-government while hoping to make ties and gain support from the people for their cause.
This graphic novel focuses on a Dutch soldier amid a company of volunteers. It highlights their paranoia about each other, about military enemies, and their leaders. It highlights the conflict of home and alliance when you belong to two places and call it home, even though you are not 100% native to the area. It is about walking a fine heritage line in a time of violent, wartime turmoil.
As I mentioned, this is an adult graphic novel. There are phallic images shown in a couple instances, which may not sit well with all readers. It is violent, but not overly gory, though there are a couple instances where there could definitely be discomfort regarding the treatment of enemy bodies. There is clear disgust regarding the native people in the view of some of the soldiers in the story, particularly those who are higher up in the chain of command. Derogatory terms are used on occasion. There is a lot of focus on betrayal and fear regarding Communism. These are very political and social themes, so they won't be for every reader. If you want sunshine and roses, this is not the book you want.
The artwork is pretty clear. It is subdued in terms of color, while still being smooth in line and texture, which allows a clear visual to be provided. There are lots of earthy and yellow tones. The narrative text from one soldier is routinely done in cursive, which for the most part was not a problem for me. There were around 2 instances where it was slightly difficult to make out a letter, but I figured it out after taking a closer look. The script in those sections might take a small bit of getting used to, but it isn't an insurmountable issue for a reader familiar with cursive.
This kind of graphic novel isn't typically my cup of tea, but I can see where it would definitely be someone else's. I won't be purchasing this particular book, but I do encourage those with interest in colonial/military/political/social issues and history to have a look at it. It highlights a conflict that I, as an American, am not very familiar with. After reading, I did a few internet searches to find out more, so I would understand what I just read, better. This is definitely a good self-education tool for learning more about global conflicts, from an author who has experience with the culture and has the appropriate heritage to discuss these issues from their perspective, knowledge, and experiences. It is a well thought out and interesting story, even if it isn't my typically enjoyed subject and visual material.
This graphic novel focuses on a Dutch soldier amid a company of volunteers. It highlights their paranoia about each other, about military enemies, and their leaders. It highlights the conflict of home and alliance when you belong to two places and call it home, even though you are not 100% native to the area. It is about walking a fine heritage line in a time of violent, wartime turmoil.
As I mentioned, this is an adult graphic novel. There are phallic images shown in a couple instances, which may not sit well with all readers. It is violent, but not overly gory, though there are a couple instances where there could definitely be discomfort regarding the treatment of enemy bodies. There is clear disgust regarding the native people in the view of some of the soldiers in the story, particularly those who are higher up in the chain of command. Derogatory terms are used on occasion. There is a lot of focus on betrayal and fear regarding Communism. These are very political and social themes, so they won't be for every reader. If you want sunshine and roses, this is not the book you want.
The artwork is pretty clear. It is subdued in terms of color, while still being smooth in line and texture, which allows a clear visual to be provided. There are lots of earthy and yellow tones. The narrative text from one soldier is routinely done in cursive, which for the most part was not a problem for me. There were around 2 instances where it was slightly difficult to make out a letter, but I figured it out after taking a closer look. The script in those sections might take a small bit of getting used to, but it isn't an insurmountable issue for a reader familiar with cursive.
This kind of graphic novel isn't typically my cup of tea, but I can see where it would definitely be someone else's. I won't be purchasing this particular book, but I do encourage those with interest in colonial/military/political/social issues and history to have a look at it. It highlights a conflict that I, as an American, am not very familiar with. After reading, I did a few internet searches to find out more, so I would understand what I just read, better. This is definitely a good self-education tool for learning more about global conflicts, from an author who has experience with the culture and has the appropriate heritage to discuss these issues from their perspective, knowledge, and experiences. It is a well thought out and interesting story, even if it isn't my typically enjoyed subject and visual material.
December 28, 2012
Saya memandang buku ini bukan sebagai komik, melainkan sebagai novel grafis. Bagi penikmat Tintin mungkin gambarnya terasa familiar dan untuk yang doyan sejarah Indonesia, terutama era kolonial, buku ini sangat menarik untuk dibaca.
July 29, 2020
For once here is what appears a complete episode although it is only the first instalment.
Europe Comics brings talented graphic novels from across Europe and beyond to an English audience. Making the traditions, techniques and stories of those communities to a wider audience.
For the non-Dutch reader the fate of countries like Indonesia post World War II is less familiar but I didn’t feel this was a disadvantage to my enjoyment. I would go elsewhere for a more detailed history for the countries independence but the basic facts and turmoil is evidenced here. The result is a comic series that is full of action, intrigue and jeopardy which sets up future books to take up the story.
I loved the traditional belief system that points to the country gaining sovereignty with the escape of a tiger. These plays out within the context of the story; for good or ill someone seems to have let the cat out of the bag.
The Dutch soldiers trying to keep the piece in their former colony contain young men who lived there before the war. This is one plot line as is the rise of insurgency and political factions like communist activists seeking to undermine the rule of law.
The sense of location is beautifully established with the rich drawings and the use of indigenous language and customs.
Although slow to grip me. The story gathers pace and the individual characters become clear in terms of who’s who and where the plot is going. In the end I was completely hooked and disappointed at the end of this first instalment.
I care about these characters and I want to learn more of their life moving forward. The central young soldier is also place in a predicament where his survival is dependent on events in his past which is a fascinating link into future episodes.
Europe Comics brings talented graphic novels from across Europe and beyond to an English audience. Making the traditions, techniques and stories of those communities to a wider audience.
For the non-Dutch reader the fate of countries like Indonesia post World War II is less familiar but I didn’t feel this was a disadvantage to my enjoyment. I would go elsewhere for a more detailed history for the countries independence but the basic facts and turmoil is evidenced here. The result is a comic series that is full of action, intrigue and jeopardy which sets up future books to take up the story.
I loved the traditional belief system that points to the country gaining sovereignty with the escape of a tiger. These plays out within the context of the story; for good or ill someone seems to have let the cat out of the bag.
The Dutch soldiers trying to keep the piece in their former colony contain young men who lived there before the war. This is one plot line as is the rise of insurgency and political factions like communist activists seeking to undermine the rule of law.
The sense of location is beautifully established with the rich drawings and the use of indigenous language and customs.
Although slow to grip me. The story gathers pace and the individual characters become clear in terms of who’s who and where the plot is going. In the end I was completely hooked and disappointed at the end of this first instalment.
I care about these characters and I want to learn more of their life moving forward. The central young soldier is also place in a predicament where his survival is dependent on events in his past which is a fascinating link into future episodes.
December 23, 2023
flexible ₂₂₅×₂₉₄+₂₁₅flaps ¦ a.i. ₀₃/₂₀₀₃ ¦ d.l. ²⅓/₂₀₀₃ ¦ ₁₉€ = eo
I went in knowing NOTHING about the country and have learned a bunch!
He uses a [framing-device] that angers me because he has the nerve to use confusing, intentionally I assume, "lyrical~mysterious" annon-omniscient [text-boxes] over heavily symbolic whuttumïlookinat massive―panoramic presentation as he's spoiling what's about to be read to too drastic a degree for me. Looking back I would have skipped the tableau-pages entirely at the cost of whatever less I understood.
-›this begins by telling you who will die... and many too many things I would rather have arrived intrastory- but I feel like I need to understand the stats when I see an author spoiling.
The art is absolutely excellent but not astonishing.
-›What is, however, is that he's sketched zer0 maps (still at half way in the second)! I don't care about scale, or even precision, just as long as the artist SHOWS me, generally, where I am/going in their highly⁰real⁰world⁰geographic⁰story. I would have been ok with an archipelago pencil sketch from the artists "minds¤eye" with an arrow towards where Japan would be. Instead he tried to hypnotize me with the [sprawling framing-scenes] packed with symbolism that never seemed to follow through with an end to the parallel‖narrative‖via‖story‖from‖past cutaway-scenes that stem from there to be continued butting-in sporadically.
I went in knowing NOTHING about the country and have learned a bunch!
He uses a [framing-device] that angers me because he has the nerve to use confusing, intentionally I assume, "lyrical~mysterious" annon-omniscient [text-boxes] over heavily symbolic whuttumïlookinat massive―panoramic presentation as he's spoiling what's about to be read to too drastic a degree for me. Looking back I would have skipped the tableau-pages entirely at the cost of whatever less I understood.
-›this begins by telling you who will die... and many too many things I would rather have arrived intrastory- but I feel like I need to understand the stats when I see an author spoiling.
The art is absolutely excellent but not astonishing.
-›What is, however, is that he's sketched zer0 maps (still at half way in the second)! I don't care about scale, or even precision, just as long as the artist SHOWS me, generally, where I am/going in their highly⁰real⁰world⁰geographic⁰story. I would have been ok with an archipelago pencil sketch from the artists "minds¤eye" with an arrow towards where Japan would be. Instead he tried to hypnotize me with the [sprawling framing-scenes] packed with symbolism that never seemed to follow through with an end to the parallel‖narrative‖via‖story‖from‖past cutaway-scenes that stem from there to be continued butting-in sporadically.
August 21, 2020
I was so thoroughly confused by the story going on here. Could be the translation was not well done, since it was originally in Dutch, but the story just seems to jump all over the place with no rhyme or reason.
January 3, 2021
Gambarnya bagus dan detail sekali ambiencenya, ala Tintin-nya Herbert. Tapi secara penceritaan agak sulit diikuti karena terasa lompat2, selain bahwa sulit juga mengenali tiap karakternya. Untuk pengenalan budayanya menarik, dan sebenernya penceritaan paralelnya cukup menarik.
October 30, 2023
Saya merasa enggak terlalu paham sebagian besar dari alur dari komik ini dan masih terlalu rancau
Tetapi menjelang akhir cerita, inti dari permasalahan mereka mulai terlihat ketika rakyat indonesia mulai melakukan perlawanan menjelang akhir komik ini.
Tetapi menjelang akhir cerita, inti dari permasalahan mereka mulai terlihat ketika rakyat indonesia mulai melakukan perlawanan menjelang akhir komik ini.
August 12, 2020
Before I started reading Rampokan: Java, I did a little research on the historical background in which the plot is developed. That was, for me, the first positive point about this read, the fact that is set in a moment that was really important to Indonesia's independence, an episode in history I didn't know before and with which I got to be a bit more acquainted, thanks to this comic.
The story itself is also interesting, all the relationships between the characters and their different nationalities, the fact that Knevel is dutch, but was born and raised at the colonies, his search for his loving nanny, everything shows that there are always many sides to a story, and no person is only good or bad. At the same time, we are introduced to cultural and political aspects.
The art has simple lines and a color scheme that goes from green to orange and all the shades in between plus black detailing and outlining, that worked beautifuly with the scenery.
I only felt that sometimes the story runs a little, and some scene cuts are a bit sudden, but it didn't harm the whole experience, that was mainly positive.
I want to thank the editors and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself is also interesting, all the relationships between the characters and their different nationalities, the fact that Knevel is dutch, but was born and raised at the colonies, his search for his loving nanny, everything shows that there are always many sides to a story, and no person is only good or bad. At the same time, we are introduced to cultural and political aspects.
The art has simple lines and a color scheme that goes from green to orange and all the shades in between plus black detailing and outlining, that worked beautifuly with the scenery.
I only felt that sometimes the story runs a little, and some scene cuts are a bit sudden, but it didn't harm the whole experience, that was mainly positive.
I want to thank the editors and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2007
wah buku ini bagus. bercerita jaman perjuangan settingnya penjajahan belanda. kemasan ceritanya menarik, berupa gambar-gambar komik. aku paling suka diawal buku ini bercerita tentang profil tokoh-tokohnya.
rampokan sebenranya adalah tradisi kuno pada masa raja-raja jawa berburu atau mebunuh binatang buas ( biasanya harinau atau banteng )dialun-alun.tujuan nya sbegaia hiburan atau tes bagi ksatria,jadi binatnag buas ditangkap dibawa kealun-alun terus dilepas ditengah alun-alun. para parjurit mengelilingin alun-alun sambil membawa tombak dan api untuk mencegah binatang buas itu melarikan diri. tugas si satria adalah membunuh binatang buas tadi. atau kadang sebagai penebusan kesalahan bila melakukaan kejahatan atau kesalahan.
na klo komik ini judul rampokan jawa sebenere ( menurutku loh ya) kiasan dari perjuangan para pejuang merebut kemerdekaan...
bagus, buat dikoleksi plus ga nyesel baca tapi ko beli tergantung orangnya heee....
berlari lah...
kejar mimpi mu...
rampokan sebenranya adalah tradisi kuno pada masa raja-raja jawa berburu atau mebunuh binatang buas ( biasanya harinau atau banteng )dialun-alun.tujuan nya sbegaia hiburan atau tes bagi ksatria,jadi binatnag buas ditangkap dibawa kealun-alun terus dilepas ditengah alun-alun. para parjurit mengelilingin alun-alun sambil membawa tombak dan api untuk mencegah binatang buas itu melarikan diri. tugas si satria adalah membunuh binatang buas tadi. atau kadang sebagai penebusan kesalahan bila melakukaan kejahatan atau kesalahan.
na klo komik ini judul rampokan jawa sebenere ( menurutku loh ya) kiasan dari perjuangan para pejuang merebut kemerdekaan...
bagus, buat dikoleksi plus ga nyesel baca tapi ko beli tergantung orangnya heee....
berlari lah...
kejar mimpi mu...
August 14, 2007
Beli versi Indonesia, baru baca setahun sesudahnya :P Campuran antara latar belakang sejarah dan fiksi. Jadi ngerti gimana perilaku orang yang hidup pada masa penjajahan di Indonesia. Lintas kultural udah ada lho, cuma beda jaman kok sama kita :P Tapi filosofinya sempat bikin kening berkerut nih, apalagi karena gue berharap ada happy ending seperti baca kisah roman :P Baca deh, menarik. Orang dulu tuh memang selalu punya penghayatan yang dakem tentang hidup.
August 22, 2007
interesting sephia-colored comic about post 1945 Indonesia.
still waiting for the next book, which i doubt would be translated into bahasa indonesia.
still waiting for the next book, which i doubt would be translated into bahasa indonesia.
September 4, 2007
menunggu sambungannya -Rampokan Celebes-
September 18, 2007
old time comics
October 15, 2007
Komik sejarah, sepintas gambar2nya kayak Tintin
Ada yang tau nggak lanjutannya tuh Rampokan Celebes diterbitin nggak di Indonesia?
Ada yang tau nggak lanjutannya tuh Rampokan Celebes diterbitin nggak di Indonesia?
August 15, 2008
Dapet tanda tangannya Van Dongen dooong :D
November 23, 2008
kapan nih Rampokan Celebes diterjemahkan dalam bahasa Indonesia. Sudah lihat yang versi bahasa Belanda, tapi gak mudeng babar blas. He...he...he...
February 15, 2009
Haduh! Ternyata masih ada lanjutannya di Rampokan Celebes.....
December 7, 2012
"Novel grafis yang digarap dengan detail ala Herge. Menjadi menarik seklai karena memvisualisasikan kehidupan Indonesia Tempo Doeloe."
May 9, 2013
Very good comic, and a good introduction into the history of Indonesian independence
February 21, 2014
Bagus juga kalo dibuat filemnya
April 22, 2015
Ada di Perpustakaan Kota Malang dong!
"Lisa berkunjung, celanamu munjung" ^___^"
Ini sebenernya terjemahan dari kalimat apa ya?
*gak penting banget nih omongan gw*
"Lisa berkunjung, celanamu munjung" ^___^"
Ini sebenernya terjemahan dari kalimat apa ya?
*gak penting banget nih omongan gw*
July 18, 2008
Very good in research and ... of course the drawing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews